Julia Elaine (Schafer) Boylan of Hopkins, MI, passed away surrounded by family on January 22, 2026. Julia was born to her late parents Emanuel and Erma (Buckhout) Schafer on May 12, 1946. She met her husband Harold Boylan and together shared 58 years of faithful marriage together. Julia dedicated her heart to Jesus at a young age and served consistently at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hopkins, MI. She grew up working hard on her brother’s dairy farm, attending church, participating in the church choir, and later teaching pre-school age children in Sunday School for 51 years. She cherished sharing biblical values to the younger generations, gently directing them to live with Jesus. Julia loved being a stay at home mother but worked diligently on the side selling jewelry for over 20 years with Sarah Coventry then Act II and finally with Lady Remington. On her down time, she loved reading books especially the Christian Romance genre and also making lists. She was a social butterfly and loved making connections or building valued friendships anywhere she went. Julia was always ready to help anyone in the “mud” of life. She never hesitated to provide a dish or helping hand at church or in the community. Julia led by example and encouraged others to be a light in the dark.

She is survived by her husband, Harold Boylan; sister in- law Geraldine; children, Larinda (Tim) Miller, Jason (Pam) Boylan, Natasha (Scott) Little, and Yolanda Boylan; grandchildren, Samantha (Hobie) McMullen, Stephany (Jonathan Ramos) Little, Brendan (Ashley) Miller, Samuel Miller, Kerawyn Miller, Briana (Matt) Green, and Shantel Boylan; and 7 great-grandchildren.

Her parents Emanuel and Erma (Buckhout) Schafer and brother David Schafer preceded her to heaven.

Julia's first visitation will be on Monday, January 26th, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Her second visitation will be on Tuesday, January 27th, from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM with her funeral service starting at 12:00 PM. Graveside service to follow at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery. Both visitations, funeral service, and graveside will all take place at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church located at 2907 24th Street, Hopkins, MI 49328.

Memorial donations may be made in Julia’s name to Wings of Hope Hospice or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.